May 30, 1929 – April 27, 2024
Helen Margaret Siemens (nee Klassen) passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024 at the Red Deer hospital at 94 years of age with her sons by her side.
She was born in Drumheller, Alberta on May 30th, 1929 to Heinrich and Katherina (Neufeld) Klassen, being the second youngest of 6 children. Her parents were born in Ukraine as were the four oldest siblings, who were born in the Mennonite settlement of Rosental. The family consequently emigrated to Canada in 1926.
Helen was raised on the family farm near Munson, Alberta, an area where numerous Russian Mennonite families chose to settle. Her father took on the role of pastor for these tightly connected emigrants who gathered every Sunday to worship at the Siemens family farm. On the farm Helen developed an affinity for horses and routinely enjoyed riding them to school.
She spent a brief time in Calgary in the 1940's, taking employment with a doctor as housekeeper. She married Jake Siemens on April 3rd, 1949 at the Siemens family farm, living the first two years of their married life in East Coulee, while Jake completed his employment with the Atlas Coal Mine.
In 1954 they moved with their two sons to Acme, Alberta, Jake beginning his employment with the UGG as an elevator agent.
Helen's faith was the focal point of her life and when living in Acme the family attended the Mennonite Brethren Church in Linden where Helen sang in the church choir every Sunday contributing her lovely alto voice.
During her senior years Helen was located in five different care facilities, she embraced this seeming disruption with an attitude of graciousness, her pleasant demeanor generating numerous friendships in each facility. She always enjoyed putting on the coffee along with a treat for family and friends alike, making you feel welcome.
Helen was survived by: her son David (Kelly); children Kevin, Darryl and Jill (Paul) and children Faith, Karson and Maverick; James (Michelle) and children Kira, Bailey and Linneah; Jen (Mike) and children Abi, Parker and Charlee; son Dan (Anita) and children Matthew (Caroline) and children Owen and Avery; Lea Anne (Curtis) and children Alex and Jack; and her sister Elizabeth Siemens.
She was predeceased by her husband Jake, sisters Hertha, Martha and Hilda and brother Henry.
Services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at East Olds Baptist Church at 2:00pm. Helen will be laid to rest at the East Olds Baptist Cemetery.
For more information and to send condolences, please visit www.sunsetltd.ca
